Serena consoles Dayana Yastremska after demolition

Serena Williams produced one of the most heartwarming moments of the Australian Open following her third-round victory over Dayana Yastremska on Saturday.

Williams put on a typically impressive performance as she powered past her Ukrainian opponent, giving away just three games in the process.

When the pair embraced at the net, Yastremska burst into tears as the reality of her crushing defeat sank in.

Serena Williams is used to dominating her competition at the Australian Open, but showed once again she was a magnanimous winner when she took the time to console her Ukrainian opponent who became overwhelmed after suffering a heavy defeat.

Williams, 37, was seen consoling Dayana Yastremska, 18, Saturday. Yastremska was seen wiping away tears after losing to Williams 6-2 6-1. The veteran tennis star put her hand on her opponent’s shoulder and offered some comforting words

“I could tell she was quite upset. I kind of liked that. It shows she wasn’t just there to play a good match – she was there to win. She wanted to win. That really broke my heart,” Williams said. “I think she’s a good talent. It’s good to see that attitude.”

So far, Williams has sailed through the Australian Open as she chases her 24th Grand Slam title, but her fourth-round opponent will be slightly stiffer competition. She will face number one ranked player Simona Halep. Williams’ older sister Venus was beaten by Halep, 6-2, 6-3.

On Tuesday, Williams was also seen comforting her opponent, Tatjana Maria, after running away with her opening-round match.

To put things into context, Yastremska was born in 2000, the year after Serena won her first major, and grew up cheering for someone she calls ‘a legend’.

Yastremska recalls swinging her racket in the living room at home while watching on TV aged eight as her favourite player competed.

But on Saturday, she was standing opposite Williams and swinging her racket. Unfortunately, it wasn’t nearly enough to stop the 37-year-old easing to victory.